Vehicle, running board assembly and drive assembly for running board

ABSTRACT

A vehicle, a running board assembly, and a drive assembly for a running board are disclosed. The drive assembly includes: a mounting base, a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a running board holder. The first connecting portion is rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. The second connecting portion is rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. The running board holder includes a third main body and a third hinged portion. The first connecting portion includes a first main body and a plurality of first hinged portions, and the third hinged portion is rotatably connected among the plurality of first hinged portions; and/or the second connecting portion includes a second main body and a plurality of second hinged portions, the third hinged portion being rotatably connected among the plurality of second hinged portions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/218,054 filed on Mar. 30, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,318,889, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/826,083 filed Mar. 20, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,292,390, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/510,775 filed Jul. 12, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,682,960, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/199,517 filed Nov. 26, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,384,614, which claims priority to and benefits of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 201810805743.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of P.R. China on Jul. 20, 2018, and Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 201821161957.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of P.R. China on Jul. 20, 2018. The entire content of the aforementioned patent documents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a technical field of vehicles, and more particularly to a drive assembly for a running board and a running board assembly for a vehicle, as well as a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A drive assembly for a running board of a vehicle in the related art has a complicated structure and high manufacturing process requirements, so the cost is high. Moreover, during the long-term use of the drive assembly, due to harsh conditions like bumpy roads, mud or sand can be easily mixed into the drive assembly. If mud or sand enters the drive assembly, not only abnormal noise is caused, but also the drive assembly is worn, affecting the service life of the drive assembly. In addition, there is no cushioning member in the drive assembly, such that collisions easily occur among various components of the drive assembly, and the drive assembly cannot have sufficiently stable operation, which degrades the product performance.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to a certain extent. Accordingly, one objective of the present disclosure is to propose a drive assembly for a running board and a running board assembly for a vehicle, as well as a vehicle.

A drive assembly for a running board according to embodiments of a first aspect of the present disclosure has a simple structure, high structural strength, and low cost.

A running board assembly for a vehicle according to embodiments of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described drive assembly.

A vehicle according to embodiments of a third aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described running board assembly.

The drive assembly according to embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a mounting base; a running board holder; a first connecting portion rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder; and a second connecting portion rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. A central rotation shaft of the second connection portion relative to the running board holder, a central rotation shaft of the second connection portion relative to the mounting base, a central rotation shaft of the first connection portion relative to the running board holder, and a central rotation shaft of the first connection portion relative to the mounting base each extend along a left-right direction and are parallel to one another; the mounting base, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the running board holder constitute a linkage to make the running board holder movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The running board holder includes a third main body and a third hinged portion connected with the third main body; the first connecting portion includes a first main body, and a plurality of first hinged portions connected with the first main body and spaced apart in the left-right direction, the third hinged portion being rotatably connected among the plurality of first hinged portions; and/or the second connecting portion includes a second main body, and a plurality of second hinged portions connected with the second main body and spaced apart in the left-right direction, the third hinged portion being rotatably connected among the plurality of second hinged portions.

In the drive assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the third hinged portion is rotatably provided between the first hinged portions and/or the second hinged portions, and the running board holder has a simple structure, good manufacturability, and hence low cost.

In addition, the drive assembly according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure may further have the following additional technical features.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first main body has a first end rotatably connected with the mounting base, and a second end provided with two first hinged portions spaced apart in the left-right direction; the two first hinged portions are disposed at both sides of the third hinged portion, and the third hinged portion is connected with the two first hinged portions through a first connecting shaft.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second main body has a first end rotatably connected with the mounting base, and a second end provided with two second hinged portions spaced apart in the left-right direction; the two second hinged portions are disposed at both sides of the third hinged portion, and the third hinged portion is connected with the two second hinged portions through a second connecting shaft.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first connecting portion and the running board holder is provided with a damping block, and the damping block abuts between the first connecting portion and the running board holder when the running board holder is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the second connecting portion and the running board holder is provided with a damping block, and the damping block abuts between the second connecting portion and the running board holder when the running board holder is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a part of the plurality of first hinged portions is provided with a damping block, the third main body is provided with a wedged bevel opposite the first hinged portion, and when the running board holder is in the extended position, the damping block abuts against the wedged bevel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, two first hinged portions are provided and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and each of the two first hinged portions is provided with the damping block; the third main body is provided with the wedged bevel at each of left and right sides of the third hinged portion, and the two wedged bevels are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the two first hinged portions; and when the running board holder is in the extended position, the damping blocks on the two first hinged portions abut against the corresponding wedged bevels.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion is configured as a first link rod with two ends connected with the mounting base and the running board holder respectively; the second connecting portion is configured as a second link rod with two ends connected with the mounting base and the running board holder respectively.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion includes: a third link rod rotatably connected with the mounting base; a fourth link rod having two ends rotatably connected with the third link rod and the running board holder respectively; and a support portion connected at a hinge joint of the third link rod and the fourth link rod, and connected with the second connecting portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support portion is a sliding block, the second connecting portion is provided with a sliding groove, and the support portion is slidably embedded in the sliding groove along a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support portion is a fifth link rod, and the fifth link rod has a first end rotatably connected at the hinge joint of the third link rod and the fourth link rod and a second end rotatably connected with the second connecting portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third link rod includes two fourth hinged portions spaced apart in the left-right direction; the fourth link rod includes a fifth hinged portion; the two fourth hinged portions are disposed at left and right sides of the fifth hinged portion; and the fifth hinged portion and the two fourth hinged portions are connected by a third connecting shaft.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, two ends of the third connecting shaft protrude from the two fourth hinged portions to form or connect the support portion.

The running board assembly according to embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure includes: a running board; a drive assembly, the drive assembly being configured as the above-described drive assembly, the running board holder being connected with the running board; and a driving part connected with the first connecting portion to drive the first connecting portion to rotate with respect to the mounting base.

The running board assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes the above-described drive assembly, and the driving part is used to drive the running board to extend or retract. The running board assembly has a simple structure, long service life, and low cost.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the running board extends along a left-right direction, and is provided with a plurality of the drive assemblies spaced apart along the left-right direction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the drive assemblies is individually driven by one driving part.

The vehicle according to embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described running board assembly, and the cost of the vehicle is low.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a drive assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a drive assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a drive assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a drive assembly with a running board holder in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a connecting portion assembled with a damping block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a running board assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   running board assembly 1,     -   drive assembly 100,     -   mounting base 10,     -   first connecting portion 20, first main body 21, first hinged         portion 22, first link rod 23, third link rod 25, fourth hinged         portion 251, fourth link rod 26, fifth hinged portion 261,         sliding block 27, fifth link rod 28,     -   second connecting portion 30, second main body 31, second hinged         portion 32, sliding groove 33, second link rod 34,     -   running board holder 40, third main body 41, wedged bevel 411,         third hinged portion 42,     -   first connecting shaft 50, second connecting shaft 60, damping         block 70, third connecting shaft 80, sleeve 90,     -   running board 200.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail and examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings, where same or similar reference numerals are used to indicate same or similar elements or elements with same or similar functions. The embodiments described herein with reference to the drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

A vehicle and a running board assembly, as well as a drive assembly 100 for a running board 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1-23 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 14 , the drive assembly 100 for the running board 200 can generally include a mounting base 10, a first connecting portion 20, a second connecting portion 30, and a running board holder 40.

Specifically, the first connecting portion 20 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40, and the second connecting portion 30 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40. A central rotation shaft of the second connection portion 30 relative to the running board holder 40, a central rotation shaft of the second connection portion 30 relative to the mounting base 10, a central rotation shaft of the first connection portion 20 relative to the running board holder 40, and a central rotation shaft of the first connection portion 20 relative to the mounting base 10 each extend along a left-right direction and are parallel to one another. The mounting base 10, the first connecting portion 20, the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40 constitute a linkage to make the running board holder 40 movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

That is, the first connecting portion 20 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40 through the respective central rotation shafts, and the second connecting portion 30 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40 through the respective central rotation shafts. In other words, the mounting base 10, the first connecting portion 20, the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40 constitute the linkage. The mounting base 10 is mounted to a vehicle body and fixed. A driving part (not illustrated) is connected with at least one of the first connecting portion 20 and the second connecting portion 30, i.e. at least one of the first connecting portion 20 and the second connecting portion 30 is an active rod.

For example, the driving part can be connected with the first connecting portion 20, such that the first connecting portion 20 acts as the active rod, an end of the first connecting portion 20 rotates around the mounting base 10 while the other end thereof rotates around the running board holder 40 and drives the running board holder 40 to move, and the running board holder 40 drives an end of the second connecting portion 30 to rotate around the mounting base 10. The first connecting portion 20 can also be associated with the second connecting portion 30, and the first connecting portion 20 and the second connecting portion 30 together drive the running board holder 40 to extend or retract.

Certainly, the above embodiment is merely illustrative, and the driving part can also be connected with the second connecting portion 30, or the driving part can be connected with the first connecting portion 20 and the second connecting portion 30 simultaneously.

It should be understood that the running board holder 40 is mounted below a door of the vehicle, and when a passenger needs to get on or off, the running board holder 40 extends out of the vehicle body, i.e., the running board holder 40 is in the extended position, which is convenient for the passenger to get on and off the vehicle. When the vehicle is starting and traveling, the running board holder 40 is in the retracted position, that is, the running board holder 40 is retracted into the vehicle body, thus ensuring the safety of driving the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 14 , the running board holder 40 includes a third main body 41 and a third hinged portion 42 connected with the third main body 41; the first connecting portion 20 includes a first main body 21 and a plurality of first hinged portions 22 connected with the first main body 21 and spaced apart in the left-right direction, in which the third hinged portion 42 is rotatably connected among the plurality of first hinged portions 22. The second connecting portion 30 includes a second main body 31 and a plurality of second hinged portions 32 connected with the second main body 31 and spaced apart in the left-right direction, in which the third hinged portion 42 is rotatably connected among the plurality of second hinged portions 32.

In other words, the running board holder 40 has the third main body 41 and the third hinged portion 42; the first connecting portion 20 has the first main body 21 and the plurality of first hinged portions 22; and the second connecting portion 30 has the second main body 31 and the plurality of second hinged portions 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 in combination with FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , the third hinged portion 42 is interposed among the plurality of first hinged portions 22 and the plurality of second hinged portions 32. For example, two first hinged portions 22 are provided and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the third hinged portion 42 is sandwiched between the two first hinged portions 22 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Alternatively, two second hinged portions 32 are provided and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the third hinged portion 42 is sandwiched between the two second hinged portions 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the third hinged portion 42 is simultaneously sandwiched between the first hinged portions 22 spaced apart along the left-right direction and between the second hinged portions 32 spaced apart along the left-right direction.

Certainly, the above embodiment is merely illustrative, and for example, three or more first hinged portions 22 and three or more second hinged portions 32 can be provided.

It could be understood that the third hinged portion 42 is wrapped by the first hinged portions 22 and the second hinged portions 32, in which case the first hinged portion 22 and the second hinged portion 32 have a relatively large width in the left-right direction and increased structural strength. In addition, the first hinged portion 22 and the second hinged portion 32 are tightly fitted with the third hinged portion 42, and a contact area of the third hinged portion 42 with the first hinged portion 22 and the second hinged portion 32 is enlarged, so that the reliability of the connection thereof is further improved.

Moreover, the third hinged portion 42 is wrapped by the first hinged portion 22 and the second hinged portion 32 to prevent the intrusion of mud, sand or the like, avoid the wear and abnormal noise of the hinged portions due to the mud and sand, and prolong the service life of the drive assembly 100.

Since the drive assembly 100 for the running board 200 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure forms the linkage, and the third hinged portion 42 is interposed among the plurality of first hinged portions 22 and the plurality of second hinged portions 32, the drive assembly 100 has a simple structure, high strength, low cost and long service life.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 in combination with FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , a first end of the first main body 21 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10, while a second end of the first main body 21 is provided with two first hinged portions 22 spaced apart along the left-right direction; the two first hinged portions 22 are disposed at two sides of the third hinged portion 42, and the third hinged portion 42 is connected with the two first hinged portions 22 by a first connecting shaft 50. That is, two ends of the first connecting portion 20 are rotatably connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40 respectively. The first end of the first main body 21 is connected with the mounting base 10, and the two first hinged portions 22 are spaced apart and provided at the second end of the first main body 21; the first hinged portions 22 and the third hinged portion 42 are rotatably connected through the first connecting shaft 50. Thus, the third hinged portion 42 is wrapped between the two first hinged portions 22 to prevent the intrusion of mud, sand or the like, avoid the wear and abnormal noise of the hinged portions due to the mud and sand, and prolong the service life of the drive assembly 100.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 in combination with FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , a first end of the second main body 31 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10, while a second end of the second main body 31 is provided with two second hinged portions 32 spaced apart along the left-right direction; the two second hinged portions 32 are disposed at two sides of the third hinged portion 42, and the third hinged portion 42 is connected with the two second hinged portions 32 by a second connecting shaft 60. That is, two ends of the second connecting portion 30 are rotatably connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40 respectively. The first end of the second main body 31 is connected with the mounting base 10, and the two second hinged portions 32 are spaced apart and provided at the second end of the second main body 31; the second hinged portions 32 and the third hinged portion 42 are rotatably connected through the second connecting shaft 60. Thus, the third hinged portion 42 is wrapped between the two second hinged portions 32 to prevent the intrusion of mud, sand or the like, avoid the wear and abnormal noise of the hinged portions due to the mud and sand, and prolong the service life of the drive assembly 100.

In some optional embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 14 and 22 , at least one of the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40 is provided with a damping block 70, and the damping block 70 abuts between the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40 when the running board holder 40 is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position. The damping block 70 plays a cushioning role to prevent the first connecting portion 20 from directly colliding with the running board holder 40, and avoid vibration and damage of the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40 due to collision, such that the drive assembly 100 operates stably and the service life of the drive assembly 100 is prolonged. The damping block 70 can be provided to the first connecting portion 20, or the damping block 70 can be provided to the running board holder 40, or the damping block 70 can be simultaneously provided to the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40. Further, the damping block 70 can abut between the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40 when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position; the damping block 70 can abut between the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40 also when the running board holder 40 is in the retracted position; the damping block 70 can also abut between the first connecting portion 20 and the running board holder 40 when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position or the retracted position. Additionally, one, or two or more damping blocks 70 can be provided.

The damping block 70 functions as a cushion to prevent the second connecting portion 30 from directly colliding with the running board holder 40 and avoid vibration and damage of the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40 due to collision, such that the drive assembly 100 operates stably and the service life of the drive assembly 100 is prolonged. The damping block 70 can be provided to the second connecting portion 30, or the damping block 70 can be provided to the running board holder 40, or the damping block 70 can be simultaneously provided to the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40. Further, the damping block 70 can abut between the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40 when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position; the damping block 70 can abut between the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40 also when the running board holder 40 is in the retracted position; the damping block 70 can also abut between the second connecting portion 30 and the running board holder 40 when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position or the retracted position. Additionally, one, or two or more damping blocks 70 can be provided.

In some optional embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 13, 14, 21 and 22 , at least a part of the plurality of first hinged portions 22 is provided with the damping block 70. That is, at least one of the plurality of first hinged portions 22 is provided with the damping block 70. For example, two first hinged portions 22 are provided at an end of the first main body 21 and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the damping block 70 can be provided to one of the first hinged portions 22 or can be simultaneously provided to both of the first hinged portions 22.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 in combination with FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , the third main body 41 is provided with a wedged bevel 411 opposite the first hinged portion 22, and when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position, the damping block 70 abuts against the wedged bevel 411. It could be understood that the first connecting portion 20 rotates relative to the running board holder 40, and the contact between the damping block 70 and the wedged bevel 411 is facilitated by providing the third main body 41 with the wedged bevel 411 opposite the first hinged portion 22, such that the damping block 70 can have a larger contact area with the wedged bevel 411, thereby improving a damping effect. Preferably, when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position, the damping block 70 abuts against and is in vertical contact with the wedged bevel 411, such that the damping block 70 has good mechanical behavior and a prolonged service life.

As illustrated in FIG. 22 , a side of the first hinged portion 22 or the second hinged portion 32 facing the wedged bevel 411 has a groove, and the damping block 70 is accommodated in the groove. The groove functions to position the damping block 70 and enable the damping block 70 to be stably mounted to the first hinged portion 22 or the second hinged portion 32.

In some specific embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 in combination with FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , two first hinged portions 22 are provided and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and each of the first hinged portions 22 is provided with the damping block 70; the third main body 41 is provided with the wedged bevel 411 at each of left and right sides of the third hinged portion 42, and the two wedged bevels 411 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the two first hinged portions 22; and when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position, the damping blocks 70 on the two first hinged portions 22 abut against the corresponding wedged bevels 411. As a result, when the running board holder 40 is in the extended position, the damping blocks 70 at the left and right sides abut against the corresponding wedged bevels 411 respectively, which leads to good balance and enhances a cushioning effect.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 7 in combination with FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 , the first connecting portion 20 is configured as a first link rod 23 with two ends connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40 respectively. The second connecting portion 30 is configured as a second link rod 34 with two ends connected with the mounting base 10 and the running board holder 40 respectively. That is, the drive assembly 100 is a four-bar linkage, and the drive assembly 100 has a simple structure and low cost.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , the first connecting portion 20 includes a third link rod 25, a fourth link rod 26, and a support portion. The third link rod 25 is rotatably connected with the mounting base 10; two ends of the fourth link rod 26 are rotatably connected with the third link rod 25 and the running board holder 40 respectively; the support portion is connected at a hinge joint of the third link rod 25 and the fourth link rod 26; and the support portion is connected with the second connecting portion 30. As a result, the drive assembly 100 forms a five-bar linkage or a six-bar linkage. The driving part is connected with the third link rod 25, that is, the third link rod 25 is an active rod, and an end of the third link rod 25 is rotated around the mounting base 10 under the driving of the driving part, and the other end of the third link rod 25 drives the support portion and the fourth link rod 26 to move. The fourth link rod 26 drives the running board holder 40 to move while the support portion drives an end of the second connecting portion 30 to rotate around the mounting base 10, and the other end of the second connecting portion 30 drives the running board holder 40 to move. In other words, under the cooperation of the fourth link rod 26 and the second connecting portion 30, the running board holder 40 can be extended and retracted. It could be understood that the running board holder 40 is used to support the running board 200. When there is a passenger stepping on the running board 200, the running board holder 40 needs to have some load-bearing capacity, and the running board holder 40 needs to keep stable when bearing the load. With the linkage configured as the five-bar linkage or the six-bar linkage, the structure of the drive mechanism is stable on the one hand, and the load-bearing capacity of the drive mechanism is enhanced on the other hand.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , the support portion is a sliding block 27, the second connecting portion 30 is provided with a sliding groove 33, and the support portion is slidably embedded in the sliding groove 33 along a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction. Thus, the drive assembly 100 forms a five-bar linkage. It could be understood that the sliding groove 33 has a guiding effect on the movement of the sliding block 27, such that the third link rod 25, the fourth link rod 26 and the second connecting portion 30 as well as the running board holder 40 all move along a predetermined trajectory, the movement of the first connecting portion 20 is associated with that of the second connecting portion 30, and under the cooperation of the fourth link rod 26 and the second connecting portion 30, the running board holder 40 can be extended and retracted.

In some other specific embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , the support portion is a fifth link rod 28, and an end of the fifth link rod 28 is rotatably connected at the hinge joint of the third link rod 25 and the fourth link rod 26 while the other end of the fifth link rod 28 is rotatably connected with the second connecting portion 30. Thus, the drive assembly 100 forms a six-bar linkage. The driving part is connected with the third link rod 25, that is, the third link rod 25 is an active rod, and an end of the third link rod 25 is rotated around the mounting base 10 under the driving of the driving part, and the other end of the third link rod 25 drives the fifth link rod 28 and the fourth link rod 26 to move. The fourth link rod 26 drives the running board holder 40 to move while the fifth link rod 28 drives an end of the second connecting portion 30 to rotate around the mounting base 10, and the other end of the second connecting portion 30 drives the running board holder 40 to move. As a result, the third link rod 25, the fourth link rod 26, the fifth link rod 28 and the second connecting portion 30 as well as the running board holder 40 all move along a predetermined trajectory, the movement of the first connecting portion 20 is associated with that of the second connecting portion 30, and under the cooperation of the fourth link rod 26 and the second connecting portion 30, the running board holder 40 can be extended and retracted.

In some optional embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in combination with FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 , as illustrated in FIG. 14 in combination with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 , the third link rod 25 includes two fourth hinged portions 251 spaced apart in the left-right direction; the fourth link rod 26 includes a fifth hinged portion 261; the two fourth hinged portions 251 are disposed at left and right sides of the fifth hinged portion 261; and the fifth hinged portion 261 and the two fourth hinged portions 251 are connected by a third connecting shaft 80.

In other words, the fourth link rod 26 has the fifth hinged portion 261, and the third link rod 25 has the two fourth hinged portions 251, in which the fifth hinged portion 261 is sandwiched between the two fourth hinged portions 251.

It could be understood that the fifth hinged portion 261 is wrapped by the fourth hinged portions 251, in which case the fourth hinged portion 251 has a relatively large width in the left-right direction, and the structural strength of the fourth hinged portion 251 is enhanced. In addition, the fifth hinged portion 261 and the fourth hinged portion 251 are tightly fitted, and a contact area of the fifth hinged portion 261 with the fourth hinged portion 251 is enlarged, so that the reliability of the connection thereof is further improved.

Moreover, the fifth hinged portion 261 is wrapped by the two fourth hinged portions 251 to prevent the intrusion of mud, sand or the like, avoid the wear and abnormal noise of the hinged portions due to the mud and sand, and prolong the service life of the drive assembly 100.

In some embodiments, two ends of the third connecting shaft 80 protrude from the two fourth hinged portions 251 to form or connect the support portion. The third connecting shaft 80 protrude from both ends of the fourth hinged portion 251 along the left-right direction, so that a part of the third connecting shaft 80 protruding from both ends of the fourth hinged portion 251 can serve as the sliding block 27. The sliding block 27 is fitted with the sliding groove 33 in the second connecting portion 30 and moves along the sliding groove 33, which simplifies the structure and facilitates the assembling. In addition, the part of the third connecting shaft 80 protruding from both ends of the fourth hinged portion 251 can also facilitate the connection of the fifth link rod 28.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 14 , a sleeve 90 is provided between the first connecting shaft 50 and the first hinged portion 22, and the sleeve 90 has an interference fit with the first connecting shaft 50 and the first hinged portion 22. A sleeve 90 is provided between the second connecting shaft 60 and the second hinged portion 32, and provided between the third connecting shaft 80 and the fourth hinged portion 251, and the sleeve 90 has an interference fit with the third connecting shaft 80 and the fourth hinged portion 251. The sleeve 90 functions to protect the connecting shafts and the hinged portions, and additionally, the interference fit can prevent mud and sand from entering from the outside through a gap among the sleeve, the hinged portions and the connecting shafts, reduce wear and tear, and prolong the service life of the drive assembly 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 23 , a running board assembly 1 for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a running board 200, a drive assembly 100, and the driving part, in which the drive assembly 100 is the above-described drive assembly.

Specifically, the running board holder 40 is connected with the running board 200, and the driving part is connected with the first connecting portion 20 to drive the first connecting portion 20 to rotate with respect to the mounting base 10.

The running board 200 is used for passengers to step on, so that passengers can get on and off the vehicle conveniently. The driving part can be an electric motor that drives the first connecting portion 20 to rotate with respect to the mounting base 10, the first connecting portion 20 drives the running board holder 40 to move, and the running board holder 40 is connected with the running board 200, such that the running board 200 can be extended or retracted. The second connecting portion 30 is rotatably connected with the running board holder 40, the running board holder 40 drives the second connecting portion 30 to rotate, and the first connecting portion 20 and the second connecting portion 30 each can provide support for the running board holder 40. Hence, the stability of the running board assembly 1 is enhanced.

Therefore, the running board assembly 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure has the driving part that drives the first connecting portion 20 to rotate, and the running board assembly 1 has a simple structure, high stability and low cost.

In some embodiments, the running board 200 extends along the left-right direction, and is provided with a plurality of drive assemblies 100 spaced apart along the left-right direction. It could be understood that the drive assembly 100 is used to provide support for the running board 200, and by providing the running board 200 with the plurality of drive assemblies 100, the running board 200 can keep balanced and be safer. For example, one drive assembly 100 is provided adjacent to each of left and right ends of the running board 200, such that two ends of the running board 200 are supported along with better stability.

Advantageously, each drive assembly 100 is individually driven by one drive part. It could be understood that during long-term driving, the vehicle often encounters bumpy roads, which may cause one side of the running board 200 to sag, thereby affecting the transmission of the running board assembly 1, and the running board 200 also becomes unstable due to the tilt, resulting in poor safety performance. Since the drive assemblies 100 are spaced apart on the running board 200 in the left-right direction, and each drive assembly 100 has the driving part, a long transmission path is not required (for example, when there is only one driving part, a transmission member is required to transmit motion to each of the drive assemblies 100), and both sides of the running board 200 are supported, such that the running board 200 is not easy to sag, and the stability of the running board assembly 1 becomes high.

A vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes the above-described running board assembly 1. The vehicle is convenient for the passenger to get on and off, and have good stability and low cost.

Other compositions and configurations of the vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure are easily understood and readily available to those skilled in the art, which will not be elaborated herein.

In the specification, it is to be understood that terms such as “central,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience and simplicity of description, and do not indicate or imply that the present disclosure have a particular orientation and be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms cannot be constructed to limit the present disclosure.

In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance or to imply the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the feature defined with “first” and “second” may comprise one or more of this feature. In the description of the present disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more than two, unless specified otherwise.

In the present disclosure, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “coupled,” “fixed” and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communications or mutual interaction of two elements, which can be understood by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

In the present disclosure, unless specified or limited otherwise, a structure in which a first feature is “on” or “below” a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, and may also include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact with each other, but are contacted via an additional feature formed therebetween. Furthermore, a first feature “on,” “above,” or “on top of a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely “on,” “above,” or “on top of” the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height higher than that of the second feature; while a first feature “below,” “under,” or “on bottom of” a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely “below,” “under,” or “on bottom of” the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height lower than that of the second feature.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example,” “a specific example,” or “some examples,” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, different embodiments or examples described in the specification and features of the various embodiments or examples may be combined by those skilled in the art without mutual contradictions.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are only exemplary, and cannot be construed to limit the present disclosure, and changes, modifications, alternatives and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A drive assembly for a vehicle running board, comprising: a mounting base attachable to a vehicle; a running board holder configured to attach to a running board step; a first link rod comprising a body between a first end and a second end of the first link rod, the first end of the first link rod rotatably coupled to the running board holder at a first joint, and the second end of the first link rod rotatably coupled to the mounting base at a second joint, wherein the first link rod includes a cavity region at a portion of the body, and wherein the first link rod includes a first linking portion disposed at the first end comprising two extending links having a space between them, such that the first linking portion mounts around a connection portion of the running board holder at the first joint; a second link rod comprising a body between a first end and a second end of the second link rod, the first end of the second link rod rotatably coupled to the running board holder at a third joint, wherein the second link rod includes a second linking portion disposed at the first end comprising two extending links having a space between them, such that the second linking portion mounts around the connection portion of the running board holder at the third joint; a third link rod rotatably coupled to the mounting base at a fourth joint, wherein the third link rod is coupled to the second end of the second link rod at a first intermediary joint; a fourth link rod rotatably coupled to both the second link rod and the third link rod at the first intermediary joint and rotatably coupled to the first link rod at a second intermediary joint located within the cavity region of the first link rod; a motor operably coupled to one or both of the first link rod and the third link rod, the motor configured to drive the one or both of the first link rod and the third link rod to rotate with respect to the mounting base to cause a rotation of the running board holder between an extended position and a retracted position; and at least one damping block disposed on the first link rod, wherein the at least one damping block abuts the second link rod or the running board holder when the running board holder is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 2. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one damping block is configured within an indention in at least one of the two links of the respective first linking portion of the first link rod.
 3. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one damping block is disposed on the first linking portion of the first link rod, wherein the at least one damping block abuts between the first linking portion and the second linking portion of the respective first link rod and second link rod when the running board holder is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 4. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one damping block is disposed on the first linking portion of the first link rod, wherein the running board holder comprises a main body that is wider in at least one dimension than the connection portion of the running board holder to provide a wedged bevel at an interface between the main body and the connection portion, and wherein, when the running board holder is in the extended position, the at least one damping block abuts against the wedged bevel.
 5. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sliding block and a sliding plate with an opening that provides a sliding groove, wherein the sliding plate is in a fixed connection with the first link rod, and wherein the sliding block spans from the first intermediate joint and is slidably embedded in the sliding groove.
 6. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the first linking portion of the first link rod is rotatably coupled to the connection portion of the running board holder at the first joint via a shaft coupled to a set of opposing sleeves at both ends of the shaft, wherein the set of sleeves is configured to provide an interference fit with the shaft and the first linking portion of the first link rod.
 7. The drive assembly of claim 6, wherein each sleeve of the set of sleeves is structured to include an outer rim on an outward-facing end of the sleeve to protect the connecting shaft and the first linking portion from debris entering from the outside by preventing a gap between the shaft and a shaft channel in the first linking portion of the first link rod.
 8. The drive assembly of claim 6, wherein each sleeve of the set of sleeves is structured to reduce wear and tear at the first joint, and thereby prolong the service life of the drive assembly.
 9. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the first joint is positioned closer to an outward-facing end of the connection portion of the running board holder than the third joint.
 10. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the third link rod is rotatably coupled to the second end of the second link rod at the first intermediary joint.
 11. A running board assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a running board step; and a drive assembly, comprising: a mounting base attachable to a vehicle; a running board holder configured to attach to the running board step; a first link rod comprising a body between a first end and a second end of the first link rod, the first end of the first link rod rotatably coupled to the running board holder at a first joint, and the second end of the first link rod rotatably coupled to the mounting base at a second joint, wherein the first link rod includes a cavity region at a portion of the body, and wherein the first link rod includes a first linking portion disposed at the first end comprising two extending links having a space between them, such that the first linking portion mounts around a connection portion of the running board holder at the first joint; a second link rod comprising a body between a first end and a second end of the second link rod, the first end of the second link rod rotatably coupled to the running board holder at a third joint, wherein the second link rod includes a second linking portion disposed at the first end comprising two extending links having a space between them, such that the second linking portion mounts around the connection portion of the running board holder at the third joint; a third link rod rotatably coupled to the mounting base at a fourth joint, wherein the third link rod is coupled to the second end of the second link rod at a first intermediary joint; a fourth link rod rotatably coupled to both the second link rod and the third link rod at the first intermediary joint and rotatably coupled to the first link rod at a second intermediary joint located within the cavity region of the first link rod; a motor operably coupled to one or both of the first link rod and the third link rod, the motor configured to drive the one or both of the first link rod and the third link rod to rotate with respect to the mounting base to cause a rotation of the running board holder between an extended position and a retracted position; and at least one damping block disposed on the first link rod, wherein the at least one damping block abuts the second link rod or the running board holder when the running board holder is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 12. The running board assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one damping block is configured within an indention in at least one of the two links of the respective first linking portion of the first link rod.
 13. The running board assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one damping block is disposed on the first linking portion of the first link rod, wherein the at least one damping block abuts between the first linking portion and the second linking portion of the respective first link rod and second link rod when the running board holder is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.
 14. The running board assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one damping block is disposed on the first linking portion of the first link rod, wherein the running board holder comprises a main body that is wider in at least one dimension than the connection portion of the running board holder to provide a wedged bevel at an interface between the main body and the connection portion, and wherein, when the running board holder is in the extended position, the at least one damping block abuts against the wedged bevel.
 15. The running board assembly of claim 11, further comprising a sliding block and a sliding plate with an opening that provides a sliding groove, wherein the sliding plate is in a fixed connection with the first link rod, and wherein the sliding block spans from the first intermediate joint and is slidably embedded in the sliding groove.
 16. The running board assembly of claim 11, wherein the first linking portion of the first link rod is rotatably coupled to the connection portion of the running board holder at the first joint via a shaft coupled to a set of opposing sleeves at both ends of the shaft, wherein the set of sleeves is configured to provide an interference fit with the shaft and the first linking portion of the first link rod.
 17. The running board assembly of claim 16, wherein each sleeve of the set of sleeves is structured to include an outer rim on an outward-facing end of the sleeve to protect the connecting shaft and the first linking portion from debris entering from the outside by preventing a gap between the shaft and a shaft channel in the first linking portion of the first link rod.
 18. The running board assembly of claim 16, wherein each sleeve of the set of sleeves is structured to reduce wear and tear at the first joint, and thereby prolong the service life of the drive assembly.
 19. The running board assembly of claim 11, wherein the first joint is positioned closer to an outward-facing end of the connection portion of the running board holder than the third joint.
 20. The running board assembly of claim 11, wherein the motor includes an electric motor. 